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Heal DJ, Gosden J, Smith SL. A critical assessment of the abuse, dependence and associated safety risks of naturally occurring and synthetic cannabinoids. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1322434. [PMID: 38915848 PMCID: PMC11194422 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1322434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Various countries and US States have legalized cannabis, and the use of the psychoactive1 and non-psychoactive cannabinoids is steadily increasing. In this review, we have collated evidence from published non-clinical and clinical sources to evaluate the abuse, dependence and associated safety risks of the individual cannabinoids present in cannabis. As context, we also evaluated various synthetic cannabinoids. The evidence shows that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and other psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis have moderate reinforcing effects. Although they rapidly induce pharmacological tolerance, the withdrawal syndrome produced by the psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis is of moderate severity and lasts from 2 to 6 days. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that non-psychoactive cannabinoids do not produce intoxicating, cognitive or rewarding properties in humans. There has been much speculation whether cannabidiol (CBD) influences the psychoactive and potentially harmful effects of Δ9-THC. Although most non-clinical and clinical investigations have shown that CBD does not attenuate the CNS effects of Δ9-THC or synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids, there is sufficient uncertainty to warrant further research. Based on the analysis, our assessment is cannabis has moderate levels of abuse and dependence risk. While the risks and harms are substantially lower than those posed by many illegal and legal substances of abuse, including tobacco and alcohol, they are far from negligible. In contrast, potent synthetic cannabinoid (CB1/CB2) receptor agonists are more reinforcing and highly intoxicating and pose a substantial risk for abuse and harm. 1 "Psychoactive" is defined as a substance that when taken or administered affects mental processes, e.g., perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Heal
- DevelRx Limited, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Calpe-López C, Martínez-Caballero MA, García-Pardo MP, Aguilar MA. Resilience to the effects of social stress on vulnerability to developing drug addiction. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:24-58. [PMID: 35111578 PMCID: PMC8783163 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We review the still scarce but growing literature on resilience to the effects of social stress on the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse. We define the concept of resilience and how it is applied to the field of drug addiction research. We also describe the internal and external protective factors associated with resilience, such as individual behavioral traits and social support. We then explain the physiological response to stress and how it is modulated by resilience factors. In the subsequent section, we describe the animal models commonly used in the study of resilience to social stress, and we focus on the effects of chronic social defeat (SD), a kind of stress induced by repeated experience of defeat in an agonistic encounter, on different animal behaviors (depression- and anxiety-like behavior, cognitive impairment and addiction-like symptoms). We then summarize the current knowledge on the neurobiological substrates of resilience derived from studies of resilience to the effects of chronic SD stress on depression- and anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Finally, we focus on the limited studies carried out to explore resilience to the effects of SD stress on the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse, describing the current state of knowledge and suggesting future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria P García-Pardo
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Teruel 44003, Spain
| | - Maria A Aguilar
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
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Critical role of TLR4 in uncovering the increased rewarding effects of cocaine and ethanol induced by social defeat in male mice. Neuropharmacology 2020; 182:108368. [PMID: 33132187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders and social stress are currently associated with changes in the immune system response by which they induce a proinflammatory state in neurons and glial cells that eventually modulates the reward system. AIMS The aim of the present work was to assess the role of the immune TLR4 (Toll-like receptors 4) and its signaling response in the increased contextual reinforcing effects of cocaine and reinforcing effects of ethanol (EtOH) induced by social defeat (SD) stress. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in TLR4 (TLR4-KO) were assigned to experimental groups according to stress condition (exploration or SD). Three weeks after the last SD, conditioned place preference (CPP) was induced by a subthreshold cocaine dose (1 mg/kg), while another set underwent EtOH 6% operant self-administration (SA). Several inflammatory molecules were analyzed in the hippocampus and the striatum. RESULTS SD induced higher vulnerability to the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine only in defeated WT mice. Similarly, defeated WT mice exhibited higher 6% EtOH consumption, an effect that was not observed in the defeated TLR4-KO group. However, the motivation to obtain the drug was observed in both genotypes of defeated animals. Notably, a significant upregulation of the protein proinflammatory markers NFkBp-p65, IL-1β, IL-17 A and COX-2 were observed only in the defeated WT mice, but not in their defeated TLR4-KO counterparts. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that TLR4 receptors mediate the neuroinflammatory response underlying the increase in the rewarding effects of cocaine and EtOH induced by social stress.
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Wei H, Zhang T, Zhan CG, Zheng F. Cebranopadol reduces cocaine self-administration in male rats: Dose, treatment and safety consideration. Neuropharmacology 2020; 172:108128. [PMID: 32389751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a novel first-in-class potent analgesic acting as an agonist of multiple opioid receptors, cebranopadol showed high efficacy and good tolerability in a broad range of preclinical models and clinical trials related to pain. In the present study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cebranopadol as a potential treatment of cocaine dependence, we tested the effects of cebranopadol with single and repeated doses (25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg, oral gavage) using rat models of cocaine fixed-ratio (FR) self-administration (SA), cocaine progressive-ratio (PR) SA, and sucrose pellet SA. In single-dosing treatment paradigm, cebranopadol significantly and dose-dependently reduced cocaine SA under FR and PR schedules and suppressed food intake under FR schedule without causing apparent side effects. In repeated-dosing treatment scheme, i.e. daily administration of 25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg cebranopadol for a week, the similar reduction in cocaine intake was detected, while non-negligible complications/side effects were observed at repeated high doses (75 and 100 μg/kg). The observed side effects were similar to the common toxic signs elicited by heroin at high doses, although cebranopadol did not fully substitute heroin's discriminative stimulant effects in our drug discriminative tests. These results demonstrated that the most appropriate oral dose of cebranopadol to balance the efficacy and safety is 50 μg/kg. Collectively, although cebranopadol may serve as a new treatment for cocaine dependence, more consideration, cautiousness, and a clear optimal dose window to dissociate its therapeutic effects from opioid side effects/complications in male and female subjects will be necessary to increase its practical clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wei
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ting Zhang
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Lefever TW, Thomas BF, Kovach AL, Snyder RW, Wiley JL. Route of administration effects on nicotine discrimination in female and male mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107504. [PMID: 31476643 PMCID: PMC6878166 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased exponentially since their appearance on the U.S. market around 2007. To provide preclinical models of vaping that incorporate olfactory cues and chemosensory effects (including flavors) that play a role in human vaping behavior, the feasibility of using a modified e-cigarette device for delivery of aerosolized nicotine was examined in a nicotine discrimination procedure in mice. METHODS Adult female and male C57BL/6 mice were trained to discriminate 0.75 mg/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) nicotine from saline. After determination of a s.c. nicotine dose-effect curve, aerosolized freebase nicotine and nicotine-containing tobacco products (i.e., non-flavored and Arctic Blast e-liquids) were evaluated. RESULTS Nicotine (s.c.) dose-dependently substituted in mice of both sexes, although females showed less sensitivity and greater variability. By contrast, aerosolized nicotine, regardless of formulation, produced concentration-dependent increases up to maximum of 46-62% nicotine-associated responding. Brain nicotine concentrations for each sex were similar for s.c. 0.75 mg/kg nicotine and 30 mg/ml freebase nicotine. CONCLUSIONS Mice of both sexes readily acquired s.c. nicotine discrimination, but females showed less sensitivity. Further, all three formulations of aerosolized nicotine produced increases in nicotine-like responding in mice of each sex. However, the maximum magnitude of these increases did not engender a similar degree of substitution as s.c. 0.75 mg/kg nicotine, despite similar brain concentrations of nicotine at 30 mg/ml aerosolized nicotine. Additional research is needed for determination of the reason(s); however, results here demonstrate initial feasibility for examination of the discriminative stimulus effects of vaped drugs such as nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Lefever
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Alexander L Kovach
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Rodney W Snyder
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States.
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Montagud-Romero S, Blanco-Gandía MC, Reguilón MD, Ferrer-Pérez C, Ballestín R, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Social defeat stress: Mechanisms underlying the increase in rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:2948-2970. [PMID: 30144331 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction is known to be the main source of stress in human beings, which explains the translational importance of this research in animals. Evidence reported over the last decade has revealed that, when exposed to social defeat experiences (brief episodes of social confrontations during adolescence and adulthood), the rodent brain undergoes remodeling and functional modifications, which in turn lead to an increase in the rewarding and reinstating effects of different drugs of abuse. The mechanisms by which social stress cause changes in the brain and behavior are unknown, and so the objective of this review is to contemplate how social defeat stress induces long-lasting consequences that modify the reward system. First of all, we will describe the most characteristic results of the short- and long-term consequences of social defeat stress on the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse such as psychostimulants and alcohol. Secondly, and throughout the review, we will carefully assess the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, including changes in the dopaminergic system, corticotrophin releasing factor signaling, epigenetic modifications and the neuroinflammatory response. To conclude, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages and the translational value of the social defeat stress model, and will discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Marina D Reguilón
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raul Ballestín
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Evaluating the abuse potential of psychedelic drugs as part of the safety pharmacology assessment for medical use in humans. Neuropharmacology 2018; 142:89-115. [PMID: 29427652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelics comprise drugs come from various pharmacological classes including 5-HT2A agonists, indirect 5-HT agonists, e.g., MDMA, NMDA antagonists and κ-opioid receptor agonists. There is resurgence in developing psychedelics to treat psychiatric disorders with high unmet clinical need. Many, but not all, psychedelics are schedule 1 controlled drugs (CDs), i.e., no approved medical use. For existing psychedelics in development, regulatory approval will require a move from schedule 1 to a CD schedule for drugs with medical use, i.e., schedules 2-5. Although abuse of the psychedelics is well documented, a systematic preclinical and clinical evaluation of the risks they pose in a medical-use setting does not exist. We describe the non-clinical tests required for a regulatory evaluation of abuse/dependence risks, i.e., drug-discrimination, intravenous self-administration and physical dependence liability. A synopsis of the existing data for the various types of psychedelics is provided and we describe our findings with psychedelic drugs in these models. FDA recently issued its guidance on abuse/dependence evaluation of drug-candidates (CDER/FDA, 2017). We critically review the guidance, discuss the impact this document will have on non-clinical abuse/dependence testing, and offer advice on how non-clinical abuse/dependence experiments can be designed to meet not only the expectations of FDA, but also other regulatory agencies. Finally, we offer views on how these non-clinical tests can be refined to provide more meaningful information to aid the assessment of the risks posed by CNS drug-candidates for abuse and physical dependence. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.
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Ballesteros-Yáñez I, Castillo CA, Merighi S, Gessi S. The Role of Adenosine Receptors in Psychostimulant Addiction. Front Pharmacol 2018; 8:985. [PMID: 29375384 PMCID: PMC5767594 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (AR) are a family of G-protein coupled receptors, comprised of four members, named A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 receptors, found widely distributed in almost all human body tissues and organs. To date, they are known to participate in a large variety of physiopathological responses, which include vasodilation, pain, and inflammation. In particular, in the central nervous system (CNS), adenosine acts as a neuromodulator, exerting different functions depending on the type of AR and consequent cellular signaling involved. In terms of molecular pathways and second messengers involved, A1 and A3 receptors inhibit adenylyl cyclase (AC), through Gi/o proteins, while A2A and A2B receptors stimulate it through Gs proteins. In the CNS, A1 receptors are widely distributed in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, A2A receptors are localized mainly in the striatum and olfactory bulb, while A2B and A3 receptors are found at low levels of expression. In addition, AR are able to form heteromers, both among themselves (e.g., A1/A2A), as well as with other subtypes (e.g., A2A/D2), opening a whole range of possibilities in the field of the pharmacology of AR. Nowadays, we know that adenosine, by acting on adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, is known to antagonistically modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission and therefore reward systems, being A1 receptors colocalized in heteromeric complexes with D1 receptors, and A2A receptors with D2 receptors. This review documents the present state of knowledge of the contribution of AR, particularly A1 and A2A, to psychostimulants-mediated effects, including locomotor activity, discrimination, seeking and reward, and discuss their therapeutic relevance to psychostimulant addiction. Studies presented in this review reinforce the potential of A1 agonists as an effective strategy to counteract psychostimulant-induced effects. Furthermore, different experimental data support the hypothesis that A2A/D2 heterodimers are partly responsible for the psychomotor and reinforcing effects of psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, and the stimulation of A2A receptor is proposed as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of drug addiction. The overall analysis of presented data provide evidence that excitatory modulation of A1 and A2A receptors constitute promising tools to counteract psychostimulants addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yáñez
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carlos A. Castillo
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Abstract
Rodents (especially Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus) have been the most widely used models in biomedical research for many years. A notable shift has taken place over the last two decades, with mice taking a more and more prominent role in biomedical science compared to rats. This shift was primarily instigated by the availability of a much larger genetic toolbox for mice, particularly embryonic-stem-cell-based targeting technology for gene disruption. With the recent emergence of tools for altering the rat genome, notably genome-editing technologies, the technological gap between the two organisms is closing, and it is becoming more important to consider the physiological, anatomical, biochemical and pharmacological differences between rats and mice when choosing the right model system for a specific biological question. The aim of this short review and accompanying poster is to highlight some of the most important differences, and to discuss their impact on studies of human diseases, with a special focus on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Ellenbroek
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6041, New Zealand
| | - Jiun Youn
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6041, New Zealand
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Arenas MC, Aguilar MA, Montagud-Romero S, Mateos-García A, Navarro-Francés CI, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Influence of the Novelty-Seeking Endophenotype on the Rewarding Effects of Psychostimulant Drugs in Animal Models. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 14:87-100. [PMID: 26391743 PMCID: PMC4787288 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150921112841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Novelty seeking (NS), defined as a tendency to pursue novel and intense emotional sensations and experiences, is one of the most relevant individual factors predicting drug use among humans. High novelty seeking (HNS) individuals present an increased risk of drug use compared to low novelty seekers. The NS endophenotype may explain some of the differences observed among individuals exposed to drugs of abuse in adolescence. However, there is little research about the particular response of adolescents to drugs of abuse in function of this endophenotype, and the data that do exist are inconclusive. The present work reviews the literature regarding the influence of NS on psychostimulant reward, with particular focus on adolescent subjects. First, the different animal models of NS and the importance of this endophenotype in adolescence are discussed. Later, studies that have used the most common animal models of reward (self-administration, conditioned place preference paradigms) to evaluate how the NS trait influences the rewarding effects of psychostimulants are reviewed. Finally, possible explanations for the enhanced risk of developing substance dependence among HNS individuals are discussed. In conclusion, the studies referred to in this review show that the HNS trait is associated with: (1) increased initial sensitivity to the rewarding effects of psychostimulants, (2) a higher level of drug craving when the subject is exposed to the environmental cues associated with the drug, and (3) enhanced long-term vulnerability to relapse to drug consumption after prolonged abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias, Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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Mead AN. Appropriate experimental approaches for predicting abuse potential and addictive qualities in preclinical drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:1281-91. [PMID: 25176123 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.956077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug abuse is an increasing social and public health issue, putting the onus on drug developers and regulatory agencies to ensure that the abuse potential of novel drugs is adequately assessed prior to product launch. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the core preclinical data that frequently contribute to building an understanding of abuse potential for a new molecular entity, in addition to highlighting models that can provide increased resolution regarding the level of risk. Second, an important distinction between abuse potential and addiction potential is drawn, with comments on how preclinical models can inform on each. EXPERT OPINION While the currently adopted preclinical models possess strong predictive validity, there are areas for future refinement and research. These areas include a more refined use of self-administration models to assess relative reinforcement; and the need for open innovation in pursuing improvements. There is also the need for careful scientifically driven application of models rather than a standardization of methodologies, and the need to explore the opportunities that may exist for enhancing the value of physical dependence and withdrawal studies by focusing on withdrawal-induced drug seeking, rather than broad symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy N Mead
- Global Safety Pharmacology, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development , Eastern Point Road, MS 8274-1232, Groton, CT 06340 , USA
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Janero DR. Medications development for substance-use disorders: contextual influences (dis)incentivizing pharmaceutical-industry positioning. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:1265-79. [PMID: 25162124 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.951631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The significant contribution of substance-use disorders (SUDs) to the global-disease burden and associated unmet medical needs has not engendered a commensurate level of pharma-industry research and development (R&D) for novel SUD therapeutics invention. Analysis of contextual factors shaping this position suggests potential routes toward incentivizing R&D commitment for that purpose. AREAS COVERED This article considers multiple primary factors that have consorted to disincentivize pharma industry's operating in the SUD space: ill-understood pathology; variegated treatments and patient profiles; involved clinical trials; and - with particular reference to SUDs-negative cultural/business stigmas and shallow commercial precedent. Industry incentivization for SUD drug innovation requires progress on several fronts, including: translational experimental data and systems; personalized, holistic SUD treatment approaches; interactions among pharma, nonindustry constituencies, and the medical profession with vested interests in countering negative stereotypes and expanding SUD treatment options; and public-private alliances focused on improving SUD pharmacotherapy. EXPERT OPINION Given the well-entrenched business stance whereby the prospect of future profits in major markets largely determines drug-company R&D investment trajectory, strategic initiatives offering substantial reductions in the risks and opportunity (i.e., time and money) costs associated with SUD drug discovery are likely to be the most potent drivers for encouraging mainstream industry positioning in this therapeutic area. Such initiatives could originate from front-loaded R&D operational and back-loaded patent, regulatory, marketing and health-care policy reforms. These may be too involved and protracted for the turbulent pharmaceutical industry to entertain amid its recent retrenchment from psychiatric/CNS diseases and intense pressures to increase productivity and shareholder value.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Entrepreneurs , 360 Huntington Avenue, 116 Mugar Life Sciences Hall, Boston, MA 02115-5000 , USA +1 617 373 2208 ; +1 617 373 7493 ;
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Kovačević J, Timić T, Tiruveedhula VV, Batinić B, Namjoshi OA, Milić M, Joksimović S, Cook JM, Savić MM. Duration of treatment and activation of α1-containing GABAA receptors variably affect the level of anxiety and seizure susceptibility after diazepam withdrawal in rats. Brain Res Bull 2014; 104:1-6. [PMID: 24695241 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Long-term use of benzodiazepine-type drugs may lead to physical dependence, manifested by withdrawal syndrome after abrupt cessation of treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of duration of treatment, as well as the role of α1-containing GABAA receptors, in development of physical dependence to diazepam, assessed through the level of anxiety and susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, 24h after withdrawal from protracted treatment in rats. Withdrawal of 2mg/kg diazepam after 28, but not after 14 or 21 days of administration led to an anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Antagonism of the diazepam effects at α1-containing GABAA receptors, achieved by daily administration of the neutral modulator βCCt (5mg/kg), did not affect the anxiety level during withdrawal. An increased susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures was observed during diazepam withdrawal after 21 and 28 days of treatment. Daily co-administration of βCCt further decreased the PTZ-seizure threshold after 21 days of treatment, whilst it prevented the diazepam withdrawal-elicited decrease of the PTZ threshold after 28 days of treatment. In conclusion, the current study suggests that the role of α1-containing GABAA receptors in mediating the development of physical dependence may vary based on the effect being studied and duration of protracted treatment. Moreover, the present data supports previous findings that the lack of activity at α1-containing GABAA receptors is not sufficient to eliminate physical dependence liability of ligands of the benzodiazepine type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Kovačević
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Timić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Veera V Tiruveedhula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Bojan Batinić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ojas A Namjoshi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Marija Milić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srđan Joksimović
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Goineau S, Lemaire M, Froget G. Overview of safety pharmacology. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 63:10.1.1-10.1.8. [PMID: 24510755 DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph1001s63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Safety pharmacology entails the assessment of the potential risks of novel pharmaceuticals for human use. As detailed in the ICH S7A guidelines, safety pharmacology for drug discovery involves a core battery of studies on three vital systems: central nervous (CNS), cardiovascular (CV), and respiratory. Primary CNS studies are aimed at defining compound effects on general behavior, locomotion, neuromuscular coordination, seizure threshold, and vigilance. The primary CV test battery includes an evaluation of proarrhythmic risk using in vitro tests (hERG channel and Purkinje fiber assays) and in vivo measurements in conscious animals via telemetry. Comprehensive cardiac risk assessment also includes full hemodynamic evaluation in a large, anesthetized animal. Basic respiratory function can be examined in conscious animals using whole-body plethysmography. This allows for an assessment of whether the sensitivity to respiratory-depressant effects can be enhanced by exposure to increased CO2 . Other safety pharmacology topics detailed in this unit are the timing of such studies, ethical and animal welfare issues, and statistical evaluation.
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Allahverdiyev O, Nurten A, Enginar N. Assessment of rewarding and reinforcing properties of biperiden in conditioned place preference in rats. Behav Brain Res 2011; 225:642-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Pugsley MK, Towart R, Authier S, Gallacher DJ, Curtis MJ. Innovation in safety pharmacology testing. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2011; 64:1-6. [PMID: 21640842 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This issue of the Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods (JPTM) is themed. It is the eighth in a series, arising from the Annual Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS) meeting. The SPS is now in its 10th year as an independent branch of biological sciences (distinct from pharmacology and toxicology) and is the primary forum for driving advances in safety pharmacology. The theme of the meeting and this journal issue is innovation, and the focus is non-clinical safety assessment of new chemical entity (NCEs). The content is informed by regulatory guidance documents (S7A and S7B) prior to first in human (FIH) studies. The manuscripts cover a broad spectrum of safety pharmacology topics from theory to practice, with interrogation of state-of-the-art techniques, and profiling of methods that are in development for safety assessment. Philosophical and strategic issues are addressed, with consideration of the use of novel methods for population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis, abuse liability, electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis algorithms, in vitro cardiac slice preparations, human pluripotent stem cells, and a brief discussion regarding the assessment of changes in the QRS complex of the ECG indicative of drug-induced blockade of cardiac sodium channels. Safety pharmacology methods continue to evolve.
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